Pocket fastener-applying implement



March 19, 1935.

.J. F, CAVANAGH POCKET FASTENER APPLYING IMPLEMENT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 1, 1933 J. F. CAVANAGH 1,994,567

POCKET FASTENER APPLYING IMPLEMENT Patented Mar. 19, 1935 UNITED STATES 1,994,567 POCKET FASTENER-APPLYING IMPLEMENT John F. Cavanagh, Providence, R. I., assignor to Boston Wire Stitcher Company, Portland,

Maine, a corporation of Maine Application March 1, 1933, Serial No. 659,147

33 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in fastener-applying devices, such as stapling implements, for attaching papers and other sheets, for securing tags and labels to articles of commerce,

and for use generally in fastening or stitching together various objects and articles.

One object of the invention is to provide an implement of the-type specified which is light in weight and compact in size to adapt it to be carried in the pocket.

Another object of the invention is to provide an implement of the type specified having the fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within a casing to protect it from catching in the garments when carried in the pocket.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the' type specified embodying a magazine which may be conveniently filled with fasteners or staples without removing any of the parts and having means for preventing the ejection of unused fasteners or staples from the magazine during the filling operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the type specified having means such as a door or gate normally held in closed position to serve as a guide for directing the staples as they are driven into the work and adapted to be opened automatically should the mechanism become clogged whereby to release the caught or jammed staples to permit their removal.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the type specified which is economical to manufacture, staunch and durable in use and highly efficient for the purposes specified.

Further objects of the improvement are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred embodiment of the invention, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the improved fastener-applying or stapling implement showing the stapling mechanism in position for operation on the work; I

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the device taken in a medial, longitudinal plane and illustrating the fastener-applying or stapling mechanism with its parts in position at the completion of the stapling operation;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the stapling mech 50 anism shown without the casing and illustrating the method of filling the magazine with staples;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the evice showing the top of the casing broken away to disclose the stapling mechanism enclosed thereby;

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the forward end of the device showing the stapling mechanism inactive but ready for operation;

Fig. 6 is 'a"vertical cross-sectional view through the device taken on line 66 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

. Fig. 7 is a similar cross-sectional view taken on line 7--'? of Fig. 1 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional'vi'ew" of the forward end of a device showing the manner in which 10 the staples are driven into the work and illustrating the gate as having been opened when the driven staples become jammed or clogged;

Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view through the casing of the implement showing the pivotal support for the stapling arm and the operating lever for the stapling mechanism;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the forward end of the staple-core; and

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of one form of staple or fastener used in the device.

In its preferred form as herein illustrated the invention is embodied in a fastener-applying implement having stapling mechanism enclosed in a two-part casing of suitable size and shape to fit within the pocket and to be conveniently grasped in the hand. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings the casing 2 is relatively fiat and thin, resembling a cigarette case, with its 'two parts 3 and l pivoted together at 5 and telescopically arranged to adapt them to slide one within the other to operate the fastener-applying means.

The main part 3 of the casing 2 is generally rectangular shape in outline having opposite lateral walls 7 joined at their edges by flanges or strips 8, 9 and 10. As indicated in Fig. 7 of the drawings, the edge strips 8 and 9 are preferably convexed or curved outwardly to provide smooth, rounded surfaces for grasping in the hand. The forward end of the casing section 3 is open and its side walls 7 are cut away at the front to provide rectangular openings indicated at 14. The side walls 7 are also cut away at the bottom to form a rearwardly extending opening 15 with a portion of the walls and the bottom flange 9 projecting forwardly at 16. Positioned between the side walls 7 and seated on the bottom flange 9 is a bar orstrip 17 which constitutes a rest or support for the articles to be fastened together. The bar 1'7 also serves as an anvil for the staple-driver, being formed at its forward end with clincher-grooves 18 shaped as shown vin Fig. 5 of the drawings. The anvil17 is riveted to the bottom flange 9 of the casing section ment of the walls of the two parts.

3 at 19 to secure it in position beneath the stapledriving mechanism to be later described.

The upper portion of the side walls '7 of the main section 3 of the casing are cut away 0bliquely at 20 and the section 4 of the casing is shaped to fit within the opening thus formed with its top and rearward flanges completing the rectangular outline. In other words, the telescopic section 4 of the casing is of substantially triangular form and of narrower width than the section 3 to provide for an overlapping arrange- At its forward end the side walls of the casing section 4 are pivoted on the cross-pin 5 which is riveted through the lateral walls '7 of the main section 3. The edge strip or connecting flange between the two side walls of the section 4 is offset or recessed slightly at its forward end to underlie the flange 8 on the main casing section 3 and from this point it extends clear around the boundary of the section to fit within the flange 10 at the rearward end of the main section 3.

At the rearward end of the section 3 the bottom strip orflange 9 and the vertical flange 10 are cut away to leave an opening extending upwardly nearly to the oblique edges 20. A fingergrip or hand-hold 25, shaped substantially in the form of a ring, is pivoted within the rearward opening of the lower section 3.0f the casing to adapt it to be withdrawn therefrom into the position shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. The ring or grip 25 has a lug 26 pivoted on a crosspin 27 extending through the sidesv '7 of the easing section 3 to adapt it to be telescopically retracted therein or withdrawn therefrom. As before noted, the fingerpiece 25 is of annular or ring shape and is provided with a projecting arm 28 having a recessed portion 29 adapted to engage against the rearward edge flange 10 when the grip is in lowered position as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings,

Referring to Fig. 4 of the drawings, a plungerpin 30 is slidably mounted in a transverse bore 31 extending through the arm 28 of the fingergrip 25, being formed at its end with a reduced portion or pintle 32 adapted to engage a small hole 33 in the side wall '7 of the casing section 3. When the finger-grip 25 is in its projected or lowermost position a helical spring 35, pocketed in a counterbore 36 in the pin 30 with its end bearing against the lateral wall of the casing section 2, acts to slide the pin to cause its pintle 32 to engage in the hole 33. In this way the fingergrip is normally maintained in the position shown in Fig. 2 while the device is in use, but in order to render the'implement more compact in size and adaptable for close packing in shipping cartons or containers, the finger-grip may be retracted within the'casing as represented by dotted lines in Fig. 1. To retract the finger-grip 25 the pintle 32 is disengaged from the retaining'hole 33 by pressing, on its end with a pin or other sharppointed instrument. When the finger-grip is retracted into the casing the spring 35 presses the end of the pin 30 against the side wall of the casing section 3 to provide a frictional resistance to retain it in place. In its retracted position, a portion of the rim of thefinger-grip 25 projects outwardly beyond the rearward curved edge of the casing section 3'for engagement by the fingers to slide the ring out of the casing. With the finger-grip 25 projected from the. casing one of the fingers of the hand, as found most convenient, is inserted through the ring and the palm of the hand pressed against the top of the casing section 4 to swing the latter on its pivot whereby to operate the fastener-applying mechanism in the manner as later explained.

As before indicated, the fastener-applying means of the implement as herein shown takes the form of stapling mechanism for inserting substantially U-shaped wire staples through the work and clinching their legs against the under side thereof; but it is to be understood that the mechanism of the device may be modified to apply fasteners of different types without departinverted trough-shape having its sides secured to the bottom 42 of the channel member 41. Conveniently, the inner channel member 45 may be formed with ears or lugs 46 spaced along its bottom edges and'received in openings in the bottom 42 of the member 41 with their ends riveted over, as shown in Figs. 3, 7 and 9, to secure the parts in permanent connection. The sides of the inverted channel member or core 45 are positioned inwardly from the sides 42 of the main channel strip 41to provide space for the legs of the staples s which are straddled across the top of the core. In this way the channel strip or staple-core 45 is arranged to serve as a track or guide for supporting a series of staples straddled thereacross in position to successively feed to the driving means. As shown most clearly in Figs. '7, 9 and 10, the top of the staple-core 45 is slightly arched, preferably in two inclined planes meeting at the center, this form of core being adapted for supporting a type of staple such as shown in Fig. 11 of the drawings. The staple s herein illustrated has opposite parallel legs I joined by an upper head or crossbar s which is arched in conformity with the angular top of the core 45. This latter form of staple has certain important advantages as set forth in a separate application for patent.

The stapling arm 40 is positioned between the sides of the main casing section 3 extending 1on gitudinally thereof above the anvil 17. Its rearward end is pivoted on a cross-pin 47 projecting through the sides of the arm 40 and core'45 and riveted through the sides 7 of the casing section 3, see Figs. 2, 6 and 9. Preferably, the pivot-pin 47 is inserted through a bushing 48 which projects through holes in the sides 43 of the arm 40 and the sides of the staple-core 45. At its forward end the stapling arm 40 carries a head 50 in which the staple-driver and other parts of the stapling mechanism are housed. The head 50 is constitut- 3 ed by two side walls or wings 51 formed integral extended forwardly in portions folded inwardly at right-angles with their edges meeting at the center to form a front wall 52, see Fig. 4. Inserted between the sides of the head 50 is a channel member 53 having its sides abutting and'conforming to the shape of the wings or side walls 51 and provided with a forward wall 54 arranged in spaced parallel relation to the front wall 52 of the head. At its upper end the sides of the channel member 53 are fastened to the side walls of the head by means of screws 55. The screws 55 have their heads countersunk in the walls 51 and their threaded ends engage interiorly threaded openings at the ends of a stud or strut 56. The stud 56 has enlarged bosses 57 at its ends abutting the inner walls of the channel member 53, as shown in Fig. 40f the drawings, whereby to provide' a stiff, rigid structure with the stud acting as a brace for the sides of the head. The side walls of the head 50 are braced at a point below by means of a stud 58. As shown in Fig. 7, the stud 58 has a head countersunk inone side wall 51 of the head 50 with its opposite end reduced in diameter and-abutting the inner side wall of the member 53. A screw 59 ,having its head countersunk in the side wall 51 of the head 50 is a threaded into the end of the stud 58 to tie the parts together. The reduced end 60 of the stud 58 serves as a bearing for a check-pawl 95 employed for a purpose as later explained.

As the staples are fed off from the end of the core 45 they are driven down through the work resting on the anvil 17 by means of a reeiprocable staple-drivers 65. The staple-driver is constructed in the form of a flat plate or blade of suitable dimensions to adapt it to slide freely between the front wall 52 of the head 50 and the forward wall 54 of the inner channel member 53, while being guided at its lateral edges by the side walls 51 of the head. Preferably, the lower edge of the staple-driver 65 is shaped to conform to the arched top or head of the staple s as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 5. The staple-driver 65 is reciprocated in the head 50 by means of a rockable lever 66 pivoted to the rearward end of the arm 40. The rearward portion of the lever 66 is curved downwardly and its end received in slots in the top of the staple-core 45 and the bottom of the channel member 41, being provided with a transverse hole by means of which it is pivoted on the bushing 48 surrounding the pin 47 which pivots the arm 40 to the sides of the casing section 3, see Fig. 9. The bushing 48 is employed to provide thatthe lever 66 may be assembled with the arm 40 before the latter is positioned between the sidesofthe casing section 3 and the pin 4'7 inserted therethrough, thus making for more convenient assembly of the parts.

The forward end of the. lever 66 is reduced in width at 67. to adapt it to project through a rectangular slot 68 in.the top of the driver-blade 65 as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5. This end of the lever 66 also projects through a longer slot 69 in the front wall 52 of the head 50 whereby the lever is guided in its oscillating motion for reciprocating the staple-driver 65. The lever 66 is normally maintained in elevated position, with the staple-driver 65 raised to the top of its stroke,

by means of a hairpin-shaped spring '70. As

shown in Fig. 3, the reduced forward end of the lever 66 strikes against the reduced central portion of the stud 56 to limit its throw in this direction. The spring '70 is formed with two arms extending from a central helix '71 with the end of the upper arm bent into a hook '72 engaging around the under side of the lever 66. The lower arm of the spring '70 is formed at its end with a and serving as a pivot for a gate '75 which forms a closure for the staple-magazine in the arm 40. The gate is'of substantially box formation comprising a front wall '76 adapted to aline withthe front wall 52 of the head 50 when the gate is in closed position and having sidewalls 7'7 which straddle the sides of the inner channel member 53. Referring to Figs. 3 and 8 of the drawings, it will be observed that the side walls 51 of the head 50 are cut away at '78 in conformity with the rectangular openings 1 in the side walls its closed position as above indicated through the means of a novel and ingenious locking device, whereby should the staples become clogged they will act to unlock the gate to cause it to be automatically' opened to release the crowded or jammed staples. The automatic release of the gate '75 is effected by the action of instrumentalities as next described.

The pivot-pin '74 for the gate '75 has its ends riveted through the upstanding portions of its side walls '77 with its mid-portion extending through slotted openings '79 in the sidewalls of the channel member 53, thereby allowing the gate to pivot on the pin and to slide upwardly on the head 50. The lower edges of the side walls '77 of the gate '75 are formed with detent-notches adapted to interlock with rounded projections 31' on thesides of the arm 40. As shown in Fig. 10 of thedrawings the projections 81 are punched or stamped out from the sides of depending portions or legs 82 on the sides of the staple-core 45. Projecting from the opposite sides of the gate 75 above its detent-notches 80 are a pair of buttonlike protuberances 83 scored or knurled on their outer faces to provide a secure finger-grip.

The gate 75 is normally maintained in its closed and locked position under the pressure of the spring '70, previously described in its function for against the mid-portion of the pivot-pin '74 for the gate where it extends between the sides of the head 50, see Figs. Band 8, thereby tending to hold the gate down with its detent-notches 80 engaged with the lugs 81. The gate is unlocked by sliding it upwardly to release its detent-notches 80 from the projections 81, this being accomplished manually by gripping the buttons 83 on the sides of the gate between the fingers. As the gate is pushed upwardly in this manner the spring '70 yields and as soon as thedetent-notches 80 are released from the projections 81 the gate may be swung outwardly to the position shown in Fig. 3 to provide for filling the implement with staples by inserting them into the magazine of the arm 40 with their legs straddled across the core 45.

The staples are slid forwardly on the ,core 45 to progressively feed them into position to be driven by means of a follower or staple-pusher 35. As shown in Figs. 3 and '7, the staple-pusher 85 is of usual form, being preferably constructed of sheet-metal with an arched top conforming to the top of the core 45 and lateral leg portions 86 straddling the sides of the core. The staplepusher 85 is urged forwardly on the core 45 by means of a helical wire spring 8'1 held on a rod 88 extending longitudinally above the top of the arm 40. The rod 88 projects through a hole in an ear 89 on the staple-pusher 85 with its rearward end secured to the lever 66. For this purpose the rearward end of the rod 88 is split diametrically and the. two sides spread apart to form a fork or crotch which engages in 'a. slot 91 formed in the forward edge of the upstanding portion of the lever 66. The forward end of the rod 88 extends between the sides of the head 50 without support, it being apparent that the en- 'gagement of the forked rearward end of the rod with the notch 91 in the lever 66 will hold this end both from lateral and up and down movement while the engagement of the rod with the hole in the ear 89 on the pusher 85 prevents its forward end from becoming displaced. The spring 8'7 is coiled around the rod 83 between its forked end and the ear 89 on the pushed 85, thereby tending to force the pusher forwardly on the core 45 to feed the staples into driving position as required. At the forward end of the pusher 85 is an upwardly projecting ear or finger 92 adapted to strike against the lower edge of the stapledriver 65 to prevent the spring from forcing the pusher off from the core when there are no staples in the magazine. The forward wall 54 of the channel member 53 is formed with a slot 93 in its lower edge, see Fig. 7, to permit the finger 92 to pass therethrough so that the pusher may be slid forwardly clear to the end of the core 45.

The check-pawl 95, previously referred to, is provided to prevent unused staples from being forced out at the front of the implement when the gate 75 is opened to replenish the supply. For this purpose the pawl 95 is formed with a pointed toe 96 adapted to engage the top of one or another of the staples s at the forward end of the core 45 when the pawl is rocked into the position shown in Fig. 3, whereby to counteract the effect of the spring 87 on the pusher 85. The pawl 95 is rocked into this position by means of a light helical spring 97 attached to an ear or projection 98 on the top of the pawl and anchored at its rearward end to a prong or finger 99 bent inwardly from the side wall of the channel member, 53, see Figs. 3 and 4. Normally, the pawl 95 is held in inoperative position, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, with its toe 96 raised above the top of the staples s by the engagement of the edge of the gate 75 with a finger 100 projecting from an arm 101 on the pawl. The finger 100 projects laterally from the pawl 95 through a slot 102 in the side walls of the channel member 53 and head 50. The finger 100 is engaged by the edge of the side wall of the gate 75 when the latter is in closed position,

as shown in Fig. 2, to rock the pawl to lift its toe 96 away from the staples so that the latter are free to feed forward on the staple-core'45 under the action of the staple-pusher 85. The pawl 95 is also adapted to engage directly with the pusher 85 to prevent its forward movement on the core 45 after the staples s have been advanced beyond the range of the toe 96 on the pawl.- For this I purpose the pusher 85 is scored or formed on its top with a series of serrations 103 with which the toe 96 of the pawl 95 engages when the forward end of-the pusher is advanced therebeyond. By this provision the movement of the pusher is checked when the gate '75 is opened-with only a comparatively few staples remaining in the magazine.

The stapling arm 40 is normally held in raised position as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings by means of a leaf-spring 104. The spring 104 is bent double in bifurcated form with one leg riveted at 105 to the bottom of the channel strip 41, see Fig. 2, while its opposite leg. extends forwardly and has its extremity bent into arcuate shape to adapt it to bear on the top of the anvil-bar l'l'and to slide therealong. With the stapling arm 40 raised the work may be placed across the top of the anvil 17 in position beneath the stapling mechanism carried by the head 50. The arm 40 is rocked downwardly to clamp the legs or projections '82 at its forward end against the top of the work, as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, and thereafter the lever 66 is actuated to slide the staple-driver 65 downwardly to apply the staples to the work. The downward rocking motion of the arm 40 and the actuation of the lever 66 are effected through the means of a roller 106 journaled on a stud 107 riveted through the sides of the upper casing section 4. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the periphery of the roller 106 bears against the upper edge of the lever 66 whereby, when the section 4 of the casing is telescoped within the main section 3, the mechanism will be actuated in the manner as later explained.

The method of operation of the device is as next explained. To render the implement convenient to hold in the hand without danger of its being dropped the finger-grip or ring 25 is withdrawn from the bottom of the casing section 3 into the position shown in Fig. 2 where it is held by means of the projection 32 of the detent-pin 30 engaging the hole 33 in the side wall of the casing. The operator grasps the implement with the palm of the hand resting across the top of the casing section 4 and the thumb and fingers straddling its sides while one of the fingers is inserted. through the circular opening in the ring 25.

The papers or other articles to be attached are placed across the top of the anvil 17, as indicated at w in Fig. 2, and pressure is then brought to bear upon the upper edge of the casing section 4 by squeezing the fingers against the bottom of the lower section 3. Under this action the casing section 4 is telescoped within the section 3 with' a sliding action as its forward end pivots on the pin 5. The spring 104 is weaker or of less tension than the spring '70 which holds the lever 66 elevated and therefore the roller 106 bearing against the edge of the lever 66 will act first to rock the stapling arm 40 onits pivot 47 to carry its legs 82 down against the work w to clamp it in place on the anvil 17. After the arm 40 has been rocked downwardly in this manner the pressure of the lever 66 is forced downwardly against the resistance of the spring 70 its forward end 67 slides the staple-driver 65 down through the channeled guideway in the front of the head 50 and through the space between the staple-core 45 and the forward wall of the gate '75; it being noted that the staple-driver 65 is normally held in raised position with its lower edge just above the top of the forward staple s which has been fed off from the end of the core 45 by the action of the pusher 85.

As the staple-driver 65 descends against the staple s it forces the latter down through the gate '75 to drive its legs through the paper or other articles overlying the anvil 17. As the legs of the staple s are pierced through the material their ends are received in the channel-like clinchergroove 18 which, being of usual form, causes the roller 106 is transferred to the lever 66 to rock -the latter downwardly on its pivot 48. As the under side of the work in' the manner as well.

known to those versed in the art. After the staple has been applied to the work in the manner as forward to eject the staples.

abovr explained pressure on the top of the casing section 3 is released, whereuponthe spring 70 will act first to raise the staple-driver 65 to elevate its lower edge above the top of the staplecore 45 in position to act upon the next staple fed forwardly from the magazine. The staple-driver 65, is elevated in this manner until the lever 66 brings up against the stud 56, whereafter the pusher 85 slides the whole series of staples s for-" wardly on the core 45 to advance another staple into driving position beneath the driver 65. After the lever 66 has been raised under the force of the spring 70 the spring 104 comes into action to rock the stapling arm 40 upwardly into first position as illustrated in Fig. l'of the drawings. The implement is then ready to be operated again to insert another staple through the work in the same manner as above explained.

To fill the magazine in the stapling arm 40 with a supply of staples the gate 75'is opened by grasping the buttons 83 between the fingers and sliding the gate upwardly until its de'tent-notches are released from the projections 81. As the gate 75 is slid upwardly in this manner its pivotpin 74 slides in the slot 79 and thegate is then.

swung out into the position shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings to permit an unobstructed entrance to the staple-magazine in the arm 40. In certain -cases the supply of staples may be replenished while there are still some unused staples in the magazine. In such event the pawl 95 acts automatically to prevent the unused staples from being forcibly ejected from the magazine under the impulse of the pusher 85 as it is urgedfforwardly by thespring 87. Immediately the gate 75 is un-. locked and rocked outwardly it will release the finger 100 on the pawl to allow the toe 96 of the latter to be carried down into engagement with one of the staples still remaining on the core 45. In case the pusher 85 has already been slid forwardly on the core 45 with its leading end beyond the toe 96 of the pawl 95 one of the serrations 103 in its top will be engaged by the toe 96 of the pawl to prevent the pusher from sliding I Through this method of cooperation between the gate 75 and pawl 95 the danger of accident from the staplesbeing son of the operator is entirely removed.

The staples used in the present type of machine are generally supplied in stick form, that is asrefills with a plurality of staples arranged in series and soldered or cemented together to adapt them to be broken apart as they are acted upon by the driving means. The stick of staples is readily inserted into the magazine by pushing its end onto the core 45, thus causing the end staple to engage the forward edge of the, pusher 85 to force it back against the tension of its spring 87. As the staples are slid onto the core 45 the .toe 96 of the pawl 95 will ride over the top of their heads or crossbars in the manner of a ratchet to prevent them from being forced outwardly from the magazine when the stick is released by the operator. After the staple-stick has been inserted into the magazine in the manner as above explained the to hold the gate locked as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings. As the gate 75 is closed the edge periods.

work. Should a staple. be driven down upon another one at the end of the core 45, as shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings, or should the legs of a staple become bent or forced out of position, the clogged or jammed staple will tend to pry'against the front wall 76 of the gate 75 to forcethelatter upwardly and outwardly whereby to unlock its detent-notches 80 from the lugs or projections. 81.

plement is again operated to carry the stapledriver downwardly the parts will not be subjected tostress or strain tending to break them or dis arrange the mechanism. In this way" protection is provided against injury to or derangement of the parts of the mechanism to render the.,-implement more durable in use, besides avoiding, the necessity for repair or replacement of the parts. When the operator notices that the gate has been forced open and the device will not operate properly it is a simple matter to clear the stapling mechanism by opening the gate to the full extent and removing the jammed stapleor staples which,

have become clogged in the implement.

It is to be particularly noted that the tension of the spring 70 is substantially increased as the lever 66 is depressed during the stapledriving operation so that its loop 73 bears with considerable force against the pivot-pin 74 to retain 'the gate 75 in closed position to prevent accidental opening thereof. The downward pressure on the pin '74 is, however, not sufficient to hinder the automatic opening of the gate should a staple become clogged; As the stapling mechanism is returned to initial or inoperative position the tension of the spring 70 is lessened and the gate 75 may be readily opened in the manner and for the purpose as previously explained.

It will be observed from the foregoing that the present invention provides a particularly handy and compact fastener-applying implement which may be carried in the pocket and operated conveniently for the purposes specified. Moreover, the operating mechanism of the device is practically proof against derangement or getting out of order and is therefore durable in use over long Provision ismade against damage or injury to the parts of the mechanism due to the jamming or clogging of the fasteners'from careless operation of the implement or other causes. The implement is thus rendered more efficient and durable in use than previous devices of the same type.

While the device is herein described and illustrated as embodied'in a preferred form of .construction, it is to be understood that various modifications maybe made in the structure and arrangement of its parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

1. In a fastener-applying implement, the com bination of a compressible casing comprising two complementary sections pivoted together and ar- .20 In this way the gate will be opened to release the v misalined or jammed staple so that when the imranged to telescope one entirely within the confines of the other, fastener-applying means enclosed within the casing, and means operative by compressing the casing to actuate the fastenerapplying means.

2. In a fastener-applying implement, the combination of a telescopic casing comprising two complementary hollow sections of substantially triangular outline pivoted together to form a substantially rectangular enclosure when in extended relationship, fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within the casing, and means operative by telescoping thesections of the casing to actuate the fastener-applying means.

3. In an implement of the type specified, the

combination of a casing comprising two complementary sections each having opposite side walls connected by marginal walls and disposed in telescopic arrangement to form an enclosure closed on all sides, fastener-applying means enclosed within the casing, and means operative by the relative telescoping movement of the casing sections to actuate the fastener-applying means.

4. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a two-part casing having one section telescopically arranged with respect to the other section to form a substantially rectangular enclosure adapted to be grasped in the palm of the hand, a finger-grip projecting from the side of the casing in position to receive a finger of the hand, fastener-applying means enclosed within the casing, and means operative by the tele scoping action of the casing sections as they are drawn together by pressure of the hand to actuate the fastener-applying means.

5. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a casing having a hollow section of substantially triangular shape in outline and a complementary section telescopically arranged with respect to the first section and projecting therefrom to form a substantially rectangular enclosure adapted to be grasped in the hand and telescoped by sliding one section on the other section, fastener-applying means enclosed within the casing, and means operative by telescoping the two sections of the casing to actuate the fastener-applying means.

6. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a casing comprising a hollow section having side walls of generally triangular shape connected by marginal walls and forming an enclosure with an opening between the inclined edges of its side walls, a second section of substantially the same shape as the first section, said second section being telescopically arranged with respect to the first section and pivotally connected therewith to form an enclosure of rectangular outline, fastener-applying means within the casing, and means operative by telescoping the two sections of the casing to actuate the fastener-applying means.

'7. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a casing, fastener-applying means enclosed within said casing, means exterior of the casing for actuating the fastener-applying means, and a finger-grip telescopically mounted within the casing to adapt it to be withdrawn therefrom to provide for convenience in grasping the casing.

8. In an implement of. the type specified, the combination of a casing, fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within the casing, means exterior of the casing for actuating the fastenerapplying means, a finger-grip arranged to telescope within the casing and to be withdrawn therefrom, and detent-means for holding the finger-grip projected from the casing.

9. In an imple'ment of the type specified, the combination of a casing having two sections telescopically mounted with respect to each other, fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within the casing, means operative by the telescoping action of the casing sections to actuate the fastenerapplying mechanism, and a finger-hold pivoted to the casing to adapt it to telescope therewithin and to be withdrawn therefrom to provide for convenience in grasping the casing in the hand. 10. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a casing, fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within the casing, means exterior of the casing for actuating the fastener-applying mechanism, a finger-grip pivoted to the casingv to adapt it to be retracted therein and to be withdrawn therefrom, a plunger-pin in the fingergrip, an opening in the casing, and resilient means for engaging the plunger-pin with the opening to retain the finger-grip in its withdrawn position.

11. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a casing comprising two sections telescopically mounted one with respect to the other, fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within the casing, means operated by the telescoping action of the casing sections to actuate the fastener-applying mechanism, a finger-grip pivoted to the casing to adapt it to be retractedtherein and to be projected therefrom, and means for retaining the finger-grip in either retracted or projected position.

12. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a substantially flat casing comprising opposite complementary pivotally connected sections adapted to telescope one'within the other,.said sections being shaped to form a substantially rectangular enclosure adapted to be grasped in the hand, fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within the casing, means for nor-v fasteners from the magazine to the applying -means, and detent-means for normally maintaining the 'closure in closed position, said detent-means being so constructed as to cause the closure to be opened by abnormal pressure of the fasteners when they become jammed or clogged in the implement.

14. Inan implement of the type specified, the

when they become cloggedat the front of the magazine. p

15. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a stapling arm provided with a magazine for holding a supply of staples, a staple-driver reciprocable across the end of the 60 combination of a stapling arm, a magazine in combination of a stapling arm provided with a magazine for holding a supply of staples, a staple-driver movable across the end of the arm to drive the staples into the work, a gate pivoted to the end of the magazine to adapt it to be opened outwardly therefrom, and releasable means for maintaining the gate in. closed position, said means having rounded gate-engaging faces to adapt it to be released to allow the gate to be opened by excessive pressure of the staples thereagainst when they become jammed or clogged beneath the driver.

17. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a stapling arm having a magazine for holding a supply of staples, a stapledriver movable with respect to the arm to drive the staples into the work, a gate pivoted to the arm to adapt it to close the magazine, camshaped detent-means for releasably holding the gate in closed position, and resilient means for rendering the detent-means active while permitting it to be released by excessive pressure of the staples on the gate when they become clogged in feeding from the magazine.

18. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a stapling arm having a magazine for holding a supply of staples, a stapledriver movable with respect to the arm to drive the staples into the work, a gate having side walls straddling the sides of the arm and a front wall closing the end of the magazine therein, means for pivoting the gate to adapt it to swing into open position and to slide vertically on the arm, said gate having rounded notches in its sides, and detent-lugs engageable with the notches'in the gate to maintain the latter in closed position.

19. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a stapling arm having a magazine for holding a supply of staples, a stapledriver movable with respect to the arm for driving the staples into the work, a gate having side walls straddling the sides of the armand a frontwall closing the end of the magazine, said stapling arm formed with slots in its sides, a pivot-pin extending through the sides of the gate and slidable in said slots, detent-means for maintaining the gate in closed position, and. a spring acting against the pin in the gate to maintain thev detent-means in engagement.

20. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a stapling arm having a maga zine for holding a supply of staples, a stapledriver reciprocable with respect to the magazine to drive the staples into the work, a staple-pusher for feeding the staples from the magazine to the staple-driver, said pusher formed with a series of serrations, resilient means for operating the staple-pusher to slide the staples forwardly in the magazine, a gate for closing the end of the magazine, and a pawl for engaging the staples to prevent their feeding in the magazine when the gate is opened, said pawl being adapted to engage the serrations on the pusher when the latter is advanced within the range of the pawl.

21. In an implement of the type specified, the

combination of a stapling arm having a magazine for holding a supply of staples, a staplepusherslidable in the magazine for feeding the staples, resilient means for sliding the staplepusher, a staple-driver reciprocable with respect to the magazine to drive the staples into the work, a gate for closing the end of the magazine;

and a pawl operated by the opening of the gate to engage the staples to prevent them from feeding from the magazine and also adapted to engage with the pusher to prevent its sliding movement when the staples are fedbeyond the range of the pawl.

22. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a casing comprising opposite sections pivoted to telescopically slide one within the other, an arm pivoted within the sides of the casing, fastener-applying mechanism carried by said arm, a lever pivoted on the same axis as the arm and connected to operate the fastener-applying mechanism, and means carried by one of the casing sections to actuate the lever when said sections are telescoped.

23. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a two-part casing having its sections pivoted to telescope one within the other, an

' arm pivoted between the sides of the casing, fastener-applying mechanism carried by said arm, a lever pivoted within the casing on the same axis as the arm and connected to actuate the fastenerapplying mechanism, and means on one of the casing sections engaging the lever to operate the latter when'said casing sections are telescoped.

24. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a two-part casing having complementary sections arranged to telescope one with respect to the other, an arm pivoted within the sides of the casing, fastener-applying mechanism carried by said arm, a lever for actuating the fastener-applying mechanism, and means on one of the casing sections engaging the lever to move the latter to actuate the fastener-applying means when said casing sections are telescoped.

25. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a two-part casing having complementary sections arranged to telescope one with respect to the other, an arm pivoted within the sides of the casing, fastened-applying mechanism carried by said arm, a lever pivoted with respect to the arm and connected to actuate the fastener-applying mechanism, a spring for normally maintaining said arm in raised position, a second spring for holding the lever in inoperative position, and means on one of the casing sections for moving the lever to rock the arm and thereafter actuate the fastener-applying means.

26. In an implement of the type specified, the

combination of an arm having a magazine for containing a supply of fasteners, fastener-applying mechanism carried by the arm, a lever pivoted to the arm and connected to operate the fastener-applying mechanism, a rod having one end connected to the lever, a pusher slidable in the magazine for feeding the fasteners to the applying mechanism and slidably connected to the rod, and a spring on the rod acting on the pusher to slide the latter'inthe magazine.

27. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of an. arm having a magazine for containing a supply of fasteners, means for applying the fasteners to the work, a pivoted lever connected to operate the fastener-applying means, said lever having a downwardly extending portion formed with a notch in its edge, a pusher slidable in the magazine and formed with an upstanding lug provided with an opening, a rod extending through the openingin the lug on the pusher and formed with a forked end engaging the notch in'the lever, and a spring acting on the pusher to slide it in the magazine.

28. In an implement of the type specified, the combination of a casing, an arm pivoted within the casing and provided with a magazine for containing a supply of fasteners, fastener-applying means carried by the arm, a lever for operating the fastener-applying means, a gate for closing the end of themagazine, a pin for pivoting the gate to the arm to adapt it to slide upwardly thereon, detent-means for holding the gate in closed position on the arm, and a bifurcated spring having one leg bearing against the pivotpin for the gate to maintain the latter engaged with the detent-means and its opposite leg acting against the lever to normally maintain the fastener-applying means inoperative.

29. In an implement of the type indicated, the combination of fastener-applying mechanism, a pivoted lever for actuating the fastener-applying mechanism, manually-operable means movable with respect to said lever, and means carried by said manually-operated means and slidable along one side of the lever to actuate said lever.

30. In an implement of the type indicated, the combination of fastener-applying mechanism, a lever for operating said fastener-applying mechanism, a pivoted element, and means carried by said pivoted element and slidable along the top of the lever to actuate said lever.

31. In an implement of the type indicated, the combination of fastener-applying means, a rockable lever for. operating the fastener-applying means, a manually-operable member, and a roller carried by said last-named member and slidable along the top of the lever to rock said lever.

32. In a fastener-applying implement, the combination of a relatively fiat rectangular casing or" a size adapted to be grasped between the fingers and the palm of the hand, said casing comprising two sections telescopically joined to slide one within the other, one section being cut away along its sides whereby to allow the hand to telescope the other section with respect thereto, fastener-applying mechanism enclosed within the casing, and means operative by the telescoping action of the casing sections to actuate fthe fastener-applying mechanism.

33. In a fastener-applying implement, the

combination of a casing comprising two comat its sides at an inclination to its longitudinal edge to provide clearance for the hand in compressing the two sections telescopically, fastenerapplying means enclosed within the casing, and means operative upon compression of the two telescopic sections to actuate the tastener-applying means. I

JOHN F. CAVANAGH. 

